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O/T - How Regularly Should Car Air-Con Get Re-Gassed?
- Thread starter larus
- Start date
My father in law (early 70s) is the same.
Re the OP, why fix something that isn't broken? I don't get it. My Golf is a 64 plate and the dealer has never mentioned doing anything to the AC when it's been serviced (the AC works perfectly).
This two year thing sounds like a con.
maltaseagull
Well-known member
My VW golf was not regassed for 10 years. The air con remained perfect. Never a problem. And my regular services never mentioned it (at a VW dealership).
After I had a shunt, however, and my insurer tried to get the repairs done on the cheap, I ended up paying a grand to have it fixed. As part of the cost cutting process, I had to take 7 or 8 days off work while the garage repeatedly took the car back in to fix the air con. They regassed it 4 or 5 times, each time insisting the problem was fixed, only for the air con to revert back to 'room air' after an interval (ranging from a day to 2 weeks). I spent so much time complaining to the AA (who managed my insurance at the time) that I started to think 'it was me' (I'm one of those who always starts thinking its 'my fault when there is a conflict). The bit that got me was the guys at the garage telling me that 'it takes a while for the air con to kick in after you start the car' (no it bloody doesn't - it takes about 30 seconds) and 'it feels cool to me, mate' (no it bloody doesn't). *******s. I have other horror stories about AA insurance (they did my house insurance for a while) that I'll save for another rant
Probably another software issue for the US market?
RandyWanger
Je suis rôti de boeuf
Audi recommend your air-conditioning system is serviced every two years to disinfects any microbial, fungal and bacterial particles.
Captain Sensible
Well-known member
This, run it for 10 minutes once a week and that should do it.
beorhthelm
A. Virgo, Football Genius
- Jul 21, 2003
- 36,006
i cant see why bacteria etc would get into what is supposed to be a closed system. gas escaping under pressure is one thing but ingress of microbes several orders larger seems unlikely.
Shropshire Seagull
Well-known member
My VW on a 58 plate - sill blowing out chilled air with AC on - nothing to "fix" here ....
I recon the gas in my AC is like the gas in my tyres - no need to replace it, but if it's all leaked out, then it's time to get it fixed ....
I recon the gas in my AC is like the gas in my tyres - no need to replace it, but if it's all leaked out, then it's time to get it fixed ....
Thanks. Looks like they're called Brighton Autoair (not autogas).
grubbyhands
Well-known member
Sounds like an air con con to me.
RandyWanger
Je suis rôti de boeuf
I'll leave it for another year as it's working fine.
I now know that's the 'recommended' practice, but it does feel like a way to get more money from the punter on the basis of 'we would recommend', even though things are all OK. Maybe I am just cynical
I know Mercedes don't have the same recommendations, so maybe a way to get extra money, it's not time consuming or expensive but they charge a lot for it.
I own a garage, I believe the industry recommendations is a regas every 2 years.
Make sure it is a regas and not a top up, lots of garages just pop in a bit more gas, where a decent garage take all the old stuff out and renew it, along with new oil and if they're really professional add some UV dye to help locate any future potential leaks.
A/C systems can harbour bacteria so regular servicing is definitely recommended.
Oh and we only charge £35 so shop around.
Make sure it is a regas and not a top up, lots of garages just pop in a bit more gas, where a decent garage take all the old stuff out and renew it, along with new oil and if they're really professional add some UV dye to help locate any future potential leaks.
A/C systems can harbour bacteria so regular servicing is definitely recommended.
Oh and we only charge £35 so shop around.
Anyone that's let's the gas out into the atmosphere is breaking the law, and can even go to prison (unlikely) if caught.
A reputable A/C engineer will always remove the old gas into a machine and recycle it.
As much as I hate to admit it..... as I hate main stealers with a passion, they are quite correct.......ever got into a car and when it starts it has an eggy/ musty smell ? That's caused by bacteria, a lot of people don't even notice it as they are used to it, until its regased and they say it smell so much fresher.
vegster
Sanity Clause
- May 5, 2008
- 28,267
I was close !.... I only call him once every two years.
- Aug 7, 2003
- 8,076
I had to have my aircon condenser replaced last year - £1,200.00 
My fuel economy has gone down around 8mpg since I've had the AC on FULL ICE COLD. There is truth in what your Dad says but I find it difficult to drive in a hot car if I'm being cooked at the same time!
Cheshire Cat
The most curious thing..
My car is 2004 and has never had anything done to the air-con. It might not work as well as it did originally, but it was fine today and I don't want to be driving inside a deep freezer (just a fridge will do).
I followed the second school of thought, which was fine until it packed up on a day like today, stuck on the M25.
Ironically, fuel economy is so much better on hot days, it wouldn't cost him anything!